According to Global Market Insights, the enclosed car transportation service market size surpassed USD 724.2 million in 2023. But enclosed car transport isn’t one-size-fits-all. There are several distinct carrier types, each offering unique advantages and shipping scenarios. Understanding these options is key to making the right choice for your budget, timeline, and your vehicle’s specific needs.
What Makes Enclosed Car Trailers Special
An enclosed car trailer is specifically designed to transport high-value vehicles such as luxury, exotic, and collector cars. Unlike open trailers, enclosed trailers have fully covered sides and a roof, keeping the vehicles completely protected from the elements and road debris. Standard enclosed car trailers can typically carry 1 to 6 vehicles at a time, depending on size and configuration.
The Construction Difference That Matters
Before exploring the different types of enclosed trailers, let’s understand how trailers are constructed. The build affects protection, durability, weight, cost, and the level of care your vehicle receives.
Hard-Side Enclosed Trailers
Hard-side enclosed trailers feature solid walls made from aluminum, steel, or composite materials, providing maximum structural integrity and protection. They offer superior defense against impacts, weather, and security threats, maintain better climate control, block out dust and moisture more effectively, and present a professional appearance. Hard-side trailers are the premium choice for luxury, exotic, and high-value vehicles.
Soft-Side Enclosed Trailers
These types of trailers use a durable vinyl or canvas tarp stretched over a metal frame to create an enclosed space. While they still protect vehicles from weather and road debris, the flexible walls provide less impact resistance than hard-sided construction. Soft-side trailers are typically more affordable and lighter, making them a budget-friendly option for vehicles that need basic enclosed protection without requiring maximum security or climate control.
6 Types of Enclosed Car Trailers
Each trailer type is designed for different shipping scenarios. Here's what sets them apart:
Single-Car Enclosed Trailers
Capacity: 1 car
Single-car enclosed trailers are designed to transport one vehicle at a time, providing dedicated and direct service. With four walls and a roof, they offer full protection from weather, road debris, and other external hazards.
Ideal for high-value or time-sensitive shipments, these trailers are smaller and more maneuverable than multi-car carriers, allowing access to tight locations. Focused on speed and personalized care, single-car enclosed trailers deliver your vehicle safely and on schedule.
Single–Level Multi-Car Trailers
Capacity: 3 vehicles.
Single-level, multi-vehicle enclosed trailers transport up to 3 vehicles at a time, keeping each car fully protected from weather and road hazards.
Ideal for vintage classics, luxury vehicles, and exotic machines that require premium care. Each car is securely tied down to limit movement during transit. Their fully enclosed design allows multiple vehicles to travel safely and arrive in pristine condition.
Multi-Level, Multi-Vehicle Enclosed Trailers
Capacity: 6-8 cars.
These multi-level enclosed trailers can carry multiple vehicles at once, usually 2 stacked rows totaling 6-8 cars. Pulled by powerful semi-trucks, they use adjustable deck ramps for smooth loading and unloading. Each vehicle is carefully secured on its level, keeping them safe during the journey.
Perfect for luxury, exotic, and collector cars, these trailers combine efficiency with premium protection. Multiple high-value vehicles can travel together while getting the same attentive care as single-vehicle shipments.
Climate-Controlled Enclosed Trailers
Climate-controlled enclosed trailers are designed to maintain a consistent temperature inside the trailer, protecting vehicles from extreme heat or cold.
Ideal for luxury, exotic, or classic cars with sensitive interiors, electronics, or custom finishes. These trailers can be configured to carry one or multiple vehicles, depending on the shipment. With climate control, your high-value vehicles receive an extra layer of protection for a safe and comfortable journey.
Lift-Gate Enclosed Trailers
Lift-gate enclosed trailers provide full protection, along with the added convenience of a hydraulic lift, enabling vehicles to be loaded and unloaded without the need for ramps.
Ideal for non-running cars, low-clearance sports cars, or any high-value vehicle that needs extra care. They are perfect for situations where extra care and a smooth, flat loading process are required.
How to Choose the Right Enclosed Carrier?
1. First, you need to evaluate your vehicle and shipping requirements.
2. Consider its value, whether it’s operable or non-running, and if it’s low-clearance or delicate.
3. Estimate the distance and timeline of the shipment, and factor in seasonal or climate conditions that could affect sensitive interiors or electronics.
4. Determine your budget, assess any liability or insurance requirements, and check if there are show, auction, or dealer delivery standards to meet.
Match Your Needs to the Right Trailer Type
| Trailer Type | Best For | Key Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Single-Car Enclosed Trailer | One high-value or time-sensitive vehicle | Dedicated, careful handling from start to finish |
| Single-Level Multi-Car Trailer | 2–3 premium vehicles | Individual protection for each car while maximizing efficiency |
| Multi-Level Enclosed Trailer | 6–8 vehicles | Cost-effective for collector fleets or dealer deliveries, full protection for all vehicles |
| Lift-Gate Enclosed Trailer | Non-running or low-clearance vehicles | Gentle, ramp-free loading and unloading, reduces risk of damage |
| Climate-Controlled Enclosed Trailer | Vehicles with sensitive interiors, electronics, or custom finishes | Maintains consistent temperature, protects delicate features during transit |
| Conestoga Trailer | Oversized or unusually shaped vehicles | Fully enclosed sides and roof with sliding tarp system protect oversized vehicles from weather, road debris, and external damage. |
Costs of Enclosed Car Trailers by Type
Several factors influence the cost of enclosed vehicle transport:
Distance and route: Longer distances naturally increase cost. Routes that are remote, difficult to access, or require multiple stops may add to the price.
Season: High-demand periods, such as spring and summer or around holidays, often result in higher rates.
Vehicle size and value: Large, heavy, or high-value vehicles require more care, specialized equipment, or premium trailers, increasing the cost.
Carrier availability: Limited driver or trailer availability can drive prices up, especially for last-minute or urgent shipments.
Terminal vs door-to-door: Shipping to or from terminals is generally less expensive than door-to-door service, which offers added convenience.
While costs vary based on distance, vehicle type, and seasonal demand, understanding typical price ranges and capabilities helps you make an informed decision. Below is a breakdown of what you can expect for different enclosed trailer types:
| Trailer Type | Vehicle Capacity | Typical Cost (USD) | Typical Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single Vehicle Enclosed Trailers | 1 | $700 – $3000 | Up to 1,500 miles |
| Single-Level Multi-Vehicle Enclosed Trailers | 2 | $600 – $2,800 | Up to 1,500 miles |
| Multi-Level Multi-Vehicle Enclosed Trailers | 6–8 | $350 – $1600 | Up to 2,000 miles |
| Lift-Gate Enclosed Trailers | 1 | $550 – $1800 | Up to 1,500 miles |
| Conestoga Trailers | 2–6 | $800 – $4,400 | Up to 2,000 miles |
| Climate-Controlled Trailers | 1–2 | $750– $3,500 | Up to 1,500 miles |
EVs & Enclosed Shipping: What Makes Them Different
Electric vehicles (EVs) require special care during transportation due to their high value, advanced technology, and sensitive electronics. Enclosed shipping shields them from weather, road debris, and theft, while climate-controlled trailers protect batteries and electronics from extreme temperatures.
For luxury or high-end EVs, single-car enclosed trailers offer personalized care and security. Lift-gate trailers are ideal for non-running or low-clearance EVs, providing smooth, ramp-free loading that protects the chassis, undercarriage, and battery systems.
Prepare Your EV or Car for Enclosed Transport with These Tips
Proper preparation helps your EV or car travel safely and arrive in perfect condition:
Clean the car and take photos. Wash your car inside and out, and take detailed photos to document its condition. This helps identify any pre-existing damage and serves as a reference after transport.
Battery charge for EVs: Maintain 30–50% state-of-charge so the vehicle can be moved if needed.
Check fuel, battery, and keys. Keep the fuel tank about a quarter full for safety and stability. Have the keys available for the carrier, and temporarily disable any alarms or automatic locking systems to prevent them from activating during loading and unloading.
Charging considerations: Disconnect charging cables and avoid charging during loading or transit.
Remove loose items and personal belongings. Take out personal belongings and any loose accessories to prevent damage or shifting during shipping. The carrier is not responsible for unsecured items.
Special handling: Temporarily disable alarms, parking sensors, and other automatic features. Secure or remove loose accessories such as antennas, spoilers, or aftermarket additions.
Paperwork and instructions: Provide the shipping company with any required documentation, EV-specific instructions, or emergency shutdown procedures.
Vehicle condition: Check tire pressure and brakes for safe loading.
Sum Up
Choosing the right trailer can make a huge difference in keeping your vehicle safe and stress-free during transport. The trailer type depends on your specific needs, including vehicle type, value, distance, and any special handling requirements. If you have questions or need help selecting the perfect trailer, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at BAH Logistics. We’re here to support you every step of the way!
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